AJ Styles, a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated competitors in the company’s history, has spoken out about the emotional highs and lows of his record-breaking WWE Championship reign. Styles, who captured his second WWE Championship by defeating Jinder Mahal in 2017, went on to hold the title for 371 days, establishing himself as one of the most dominant champions of the modern era.
In a recent interview, Styles opened up about the physical and mental toll of his year-long reign, stating that the moment it ended actually came as a relief. “It was exhausting, to be honest,” Styles said. “The pressure of being the top guy in the company, the constant travel, the endless media appearances – it takes a toll on your body and your mind. I’m not going to lie, there were times when I felt like I was burning out.”
Styles, who made his WWE debut in 2016, had already established himself as a top talent in the company with his impressive performances in the United States Championship picture. However, his WWE Championship reign marked a new level of success for the wrestler, who had previously held the title in TNA (now Impact Wrestling).
The storyline surrounding Styles’ WWE Championship reign was one of the most memorable of the 2017-2018 period. Styles, who was already a fan favorite, faced off against a series of high-profile opponents, including Jinder Mahal, Baron Corbin, and Randy Orton. The wrestler’s charisma and in-ring ability helped to elevate the competition, making each match feel like a major event.
One of the most notable aspects of Styles’ WWE Championship reign was his ability to connect with the audience. The wrestler’s charisma and personality made him a fan favorite, and his matches were often met with thunderous applause. Styles’ ability to tell a story in the ring, combined with his exceptional in-ring ability, made him a compelling watch.
Fan reaction to Styles’ WWE Championship reign was overwhelmingly positive. Fans loved watching Styles compete, and his matches were often highlighted on social media. The wrestler’s ability to connect with the audience helped to establish him as one of the top stars in the company.
However, not everyone was pleased with Styles’ reign. Some fans felt that the wrestler’s character was not given enough depth, and that his storylines were not as compelling as they could have been. Additionally, some fans felt that Styles was not given enough opportunities to feud with other top stars in the company.
Styles’ WWE Championship reign had significant implications for the company. The wrestler’s success helped to establish him as one of the top stars in the company, and his matches were often used to promote pay-per-view events. Styles’ reign also helped to establish the WWE Championship as one of the most prestigious titles in the company.
In the aftermath of his WWE Championship reign, Styles went on to compete in a number of high-profile matches, including a feud with Randy Orton and a series of matches against the likes of Finn Bálor and Seth Rollins. Styles’ performances in these matches helped to cement his status as one of the top stars in the company.
Looking to the future, it is clear that AJ Styles remains one of the top stars in the WWE. The wrestler’s ability to connect with the audience, combined with his exceptional in-ring ability, makes him a compelling watch. Styles’ success will likely continue to be a major factor in the company’s future storylines, and fans will be eagerly anticipating his next move.
Conclusion
AJ Styles’ record-breaking WWE Championship reign was an incredible achievement that marked a new level of success for the wrestler. Styles’ ability to connect with the audience, combined with his exceptional in-ring ability, made him a compelling watch. The wrestler’s success had significant implications for the company, and his reign will likely be remembered as one of the greatest in WWE history.
FAQ Section
Q: How long did AJ Styles’ WWE Championship reign last?
A: AJ Styles’ WWE Championship reign lasted for 371 days.
Q: Who did AJ Styles defeat to capture the WWE Championship?
A: AJ Styles defeated Jinder Mahal to capture the WWE Championship.
Q: What was AJ Styles’ biggest challenge during his WWE Championship reign?
A: AJ Styles stated that the biggest challenge during his WWE Championship reign was the physical and mental toll of being the top guy in the company.
Q: What was AJ Styles’ biggest accomplishment during his WWE Championship reign?
A: AJ Styles’ biggest accomplishment during his WWE Championship reign was establishing himself as one of the most dominant champions of the modern era.
Q: What is AJ Styles’ current status in the WWE?
A: AJ Styles remains one of the top stars in the WWE and continues to compete in high-profile matches.